Women’s rights organisation Bailancho Saad has called on the government and judiciary to address lapses and prolonged delays in the justice delivery system, following the conviction of three accused in the 2014 chili powder sexual assault case after a 12-year legal battle.
While welcoming the August 13 judgment of the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Merces, the organisation highlighted delays at various stages of the case. It said police initially failed to register an FIR when the assault was reported on June 23, 2014, resulting in the loss of crucial medical evidence. The FIR was registered four days later following its intervention.
Bailancho Saad pointed out that the chargesheet was filed only in December 2015, while charges were framed in January 2024. Evidence commenced in July 2024 and the final judgment was delivered in August 2026.
The organisation has urged authorities to ensure prompt registration of FIRs, timely investigation and filing of chargesheets, speedy framing of charges and completion of trials in cases involving sexual violence. It also stressed the need for adequate financial support to survivors during lengthy trials, noting that the survivor, a daily wage earner, lost substantial wages while pursuing the case for 12 years.
Bailancho Saad further said complaints preceding serious incidents should be acted upon promptly to prevent escalation of violence. It urged the government and judiciary to examine the lapses in the case and put mechanisms in place to ensure other survivors are not subjected to similar delays.
The court sentenced the male accused to 11 years’ rigorous imprisonment and two women accused to one year each, besides imposing fines. It also directed compensation to the survivor under the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme for Victims of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes, 2018.
